A five-step action plan for addressing water damage in a commercial setting

2/17/2023 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Media provides water removal, water damage restoration, and other property damage restoration services to businesses that have suffered a property damage disaster.

When a water damage disaster happens in a commercial setting, SERVPRO® of Media, PA, arrives on-scene in about an hour, 24/7, 365 days a year, including holidays, to begin the water removal process. Heavy-duty wet/dry vacuums quickly remove the water, and powerful dehumidifiers remove the remaining moisture. SERVPRO’s rapid response and quick cleanup enable the business to restore normal operations.

Businesses must overcome daily challenges to stay profitable and keep their doors open. A commercial water damage disaster is one of the most common and costly challenges. For a small business, the question is “when,” not “if” water damage will occur. The leading causes of commercial water damage are leaks from faulty plumbing, malfunctions in the HVAC system, and leakage from an appliance such as a dishwasher, refrigerator, or supply line to the ice maker. The probability of a water intrusion from storm damage or a water release from a toilet, appliance, or fire sprinkler head justifies the expense of having commercial property insurance.

At the first signs of commercial water damage, immediately take action to resolve the issue. Delays allow the problem to worsen, resulting in greater damage and a more expensive cleanup and restoration project. Also, the insurance company may reduce or decline payment in instances of neglect. Here is a guide for dealing with water damage issues in the commercial environment.

A five-step plan to take care of commercial water damage cleanup and restoration

This five-step action plan walks the business owner, facilities supervisor, or property manager through the cleanup and restoration process so the business can resume normal business operations.

Step #1: Locate the source of the leak

Water leaks come in two types: a water intrusion and a water release. A water intrusion involves the introduction of water from outside the structure. Examples of water intrusion include:

• Flash flooding
• Roof leaks from wind damage, a limb puncture, or a leak around a roof vent
• Leaks around windows, doors, and skylights
• A gutter overflow into an attic space
• Water seeping into the garage or shipping area from under the rollup door

A water release is the introduction of water into the structure from water sources inside the structure. Examples of a water release include:

• A fire sprinkler
• A burst supply line to the ice maker, dishwasher, or sinks in the production area or bathrooms
• A burst pipe from an overhead waterline

Identifying the source of the leak may require the trained eye of a professional.

Step #2: Stop the leak

A water intrusion due to roof damage from severe weather may require emergency tarping by a roofing contractor. If the damage is from a broken limb or fallen tree, the services of an arborist with heavy equipment may be required.

A water release from a burst pipe, ruptured supply line, or fire sprinkler can be resolved by shutting off the main water valve. It may be possible to isolate the leak and shut off an inline valve to the supply line. If necessary, shut off the water main.

Step #3: Report the incident to the insurance company

Contact the insurance company as soon as possible. The same day as the incident is best. Also, document the damage with images and video. Upload images and videos to the cloud to free up storage space for the documentation process.

Step #4: Clean up and restore the water damage

Qualify and hire a property damage cleanup and restoration company to handle the project. Look for the following features when screening potential service providers:

• Locally owned and operated
• Specializes in commercial property damage cleanup and restoration
• IICRC-certified technicians
• Utilizes the latest equipment, cutting-edge moisture-detecting technology, and advanced cleaning techniques
• Available 24/7, 365 days a year, including holidays
• Provides a detailed, well-documented estimate, including images and video, which will prove very helpful in the insurance claims process
• Handles the insurance claims process from beginning to end
• Positive references and online reviews

Step #5: Resume normal business operations

A reputable water damage restoration company with a proven track record of serving commercial clients will provide a rapid response time and a quick cleanup and restoration, allowing the affected business to resume normal business operations without delay.

SERVPRO of Media, PA, meets all these expectations and more. The SERVPRO team can handle any size of disaster, including large-scale commercial property damage disasters.

Contact SERVPRO of Media for more information about Penn Wynne, Wynnewood, PA, water removal services. The office can be reached by calling (610) 566-5720 or emailing office@SERVPROmedia.com.